Column: We need more tutors on campus

Of the resources available at universities, peer groups and tutors are invaluable assets to college students. 

Studying takes an astronomical portion of time in college. Along with that portion of time being taken up, we also have to consider the stress that accompanies it. This is when students seek help.

I needed help Freshman year with my Calculus 1 and Calculus 2 classes. However, due to scheduling issues and tutors unable to help at that level, I was lost. I know that I was not alone in that class. From peer interactions, I know that we all were looking for help and were unable to find or even access the help. We need more tutors to try and resolve this. 

Tutors are helpful, especially when you need a less pressured environment to learn. Student tutors are incredible in this sense: one on one interaction from a person understanding your struggles without judgement. 

However, when tutors are not available or unable to help, it is back to square one.

I filled out a tutor request form twice, but I, again, found myself back at the beginning each time. So, I sought other alternatives.

Study groups are helpful for those who benefit in an inclusive learning environment. However, those who benefit from individual work may need to seek an alternative method. 

Office hours are helpful—when they fall in line with your schedule. Speaking with professors is helpful—when you make a connection with them. When needs are not being met, how do students proceed?

I have struggled with finding tutors that were able to help me with my past courses, especially in the math field. I especially struggled with finding help in Calculus 2, where some of the tutors available did not tutor up to that level or were not available at a time I could show up. 

Sheer desperation led me to websites where I could hire tutors, but the rates at which I had to pay were too large for someone with a limited amount of money. I could not afford a tutor, but I also could not afford to skip classes to attend a session with a tutor at the library. 

What I am hoping is that there are more students available in higher level courses to tutor and more flexible times. I deeply appreciate the tutors on campus, but we absolutely need more for the current subjects and more upper level course tutors to try and alleviate the thin spread. 

---

Photo by Noelle Kriegel